The City of Perth Council met on Tuesday 27 May. The following decisions were made:

 

Bringing street appeal back to James Street

Almost twenty years since its last major upgrade, James Street in Northbridge is set to become safer, greener and more vibrant in celebration of its unique role as a connector of culture, community and nightlife.

Council has approved the draft concept plan for the street’s revitalisation which was based on previous community engagement. Council’s decision now marks the start of the conversation with community and stakeholders to help refine the design.

Extending from Fitzgerald Street to William Street, the plan also includes improvements to the entrance of the Perth Cultural Centre—complementing the State Government’s separate renewal of the precinct.

The vision is community-focused: to enhance safety and amenity, boost greenery, celebrate cultural identity, and support local businesses and public life, both day and night.

The design reflects and develops the distinct character of each section—from the quieter residential west, to the leafy zone around Russell Square, and the vibrant stretch from Parker to William Street, known for nightlife and entertainment.

Aura of the Terracotta Warriors to hit the streets

Council has endorsed a partnership agreement with the WA Museum Boola Bardip to leverage the visitation-generating power of the Terracotta Warriors through a series of activations in the City of Perth.

In a world exclusive, the renowned ‘Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor’ exhibition, featuring never-seen or never-travelled pieces, will be held at Boola Bardip from 28 June 2025 to 22 February 2026.

In a significant boost to the local economy, the time-limited attraction is expected to draw more than 180,000 visitors, including around 60,000 from interstate or overseas.

Additionally, the WA Museum has secured the artwork installation ‘Lanterns of Terracotta Warriors’ which includes 80 two-metre tall silk Terracotta Warrior lanterns that emulate the grandeur of the Terracotta army. Through the endorsed partnership with the City of Perth, the lanterns will be used to activate city public spaces to both promote the exhibition and provide unique photo and social media opportunities that encourage more people to visit Perth.

The Terracotta Warrior lantern activations are expected to take place from October. More details about the installations will be released in the lead up.

Events Sponsorship committed

The latest round of Event Sponsorship applications from early 2025 have been considered by Council, supporting a range of events and activations between 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026.

The sponsorships total $1.45M, including some multi-year commitments with the successful sponsorship recipients meeting the priority outcome of visitation, as well as vibrancy, engaging a diverse community, sustainability and economic growth.

The latest round of events and activations supported by the City include:

  • An ANZAC Day event
  • Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair
  • Schools Out Winter Fest
  • Laneway Festival Perth 2026
  • Tarmac West 2025
  • Channel 7 Christmas Pageant
  • Chevron City of Surf for genU 2026
  • Perth Chinese New Year Fair 2026

Differential rate determined

Council has endorsed the differential rates for 2025/26 to be advertised.

All local governments are currently facing cost pressures however the City has worked hard to locate savings or alternative funding opportunities to offset costs.

The City’s sound financial management strategies are reflected in the Rate Setting Statement for 2025/26 which sees a 3.10 per cent increase in the rates yield on a like for like basis. Based on early assessments, this figure is projected to fall at the lower end of rate yield increases across metro local government areas.